Broken Bow Roller (see pic please)

[TwinRudders]

The top edge of my bow roller, where the pin used to secure across is broken off... (boat came like this but I never get round to it...)

As below....

Any ideas on a fix? I need it not only to make securing the chain easier but also am going to fly an asymmetric and want to use the roller for the tack - with the line fed back to a bow cleat.

Thanks,

Jonny

 

[Norman_E]

Is it an aluminium alloy casting? If so then the best option is to get a complete copy fabricated in stainless steel. Probably pretty expensive but I have seen another boat with a cast aluminium bow fitting which broke in half. Repairing a casting is possible, in expert hands, but it will remain an aluminium alloy fitting which is subject to some very heavy loads, and may break again.

 

[TwinRudders]

Yes i think it is aluminium,
J

 

[Topcat47]

Not a good idea to use it as a tack then.

 

[Evadne]

I would make up a suitably chunky plate with a hole in the top corner and bolt it onto the outside face of the roller. How is another matter, although drilling and tapping holes in the existing plate is an option. As the pin securing broke in the past, the design may not be up to the job and I'd make the plate at least as thick as the side cheek of the roller but extend it to give more meat around the hole.
I wouldn't like to comment on the suitability of using it as a tack, due to not seeing it in its entirety andnot being that that bright, mechanically, but my (ss) roller fitting acts as the tack for the jib, by being the forestay attachement point so as long as it is suitably secured to resist upward forces (usually via a chain plate of sorts) it ought to be possible.

 

[samwise]

If you are thinking of using the fitting as a tack, my recommendation would be to replace it with s/s as mentioned elsewhere. Fabrication of a custom fitting is likely to be costly, it may be that one of the off-the-shelf bow fittings from Plastimo et al might do the job.

 

[RJD393]

I would also support the idea of replacing with a fabricated SS one. As you list Poole as location it may be worth having a word with Dave Mallinson at Midas - 01202 684620. He has done several bits for me and I am happy to recommend him.

 

[TwinRudders]

Thanks for all that. If I'm going to replace it then I may as well try and get something with a removeable bowsprit to fly the kite.